What does the Hiring Committee look for when they read SLP Resumes?
As a practicing SLP, I've been able to sit in on hiring committees in both educational and outpatient settings. The one description I can tell you for sure that I am NOT looking for when I review an SLP's resume is "diagnosed and treated communication disorders." While I can't tell you what goes through the minds of every member of the committee, most of them do have a general idea of what SLPs do (if they didn't, we wouldn't want them to be on our hiring committees). Stating that an SLP diagnoses and treats communication disorders would be a bit like reading a firefighter's resume and seeing "responsibilities include putting out fires." It's a given. It's the defining function of the job.
So, what should you put instead? You should be specific - very, very specific. When I skim an SLP's resume (yes, skim) please know that this means it has already made it past the initial review phase in which a computer or HR professional decided which resumes the whole committee would see. This weeds out ones that are totally unqualified, do not have the right credentials, etc. The first thing I do is skim for the specific domains or disorders treated (articulation, fluency, swallowing, feeding, Autism, Apraxia, hearing impairments, etc.). This is especially true if the facility is trying to fill a niche on our team. For example, if we specifically want an SLP with Autism experience or feeding experience, those are the first words I look for.
If I find the keywords I want, my next pass of the resume is to look for the settings and populations the SLP has worked with before. In the descriptions of his or her past work experience, I'm looking for an ACHIEVEMENT statement that will make this SLP stand out above any other. We all diagnose and treat communication impairments. What makes this SLP special? Why should we grant this one an interview over another one? What specifically did he or she bring to the last employer that added value? I want to know what each SLP has brought to the table in the past, and could bring to our building, including relevant skills and perspectives from previous positions outside of the field.
Finally, I'm looking for additional certifications and trainings that fit with our client base or desired future base. For example, if you are trained in Social Thinking, LSVT, or another popular SLP program, I want to know about it! I also want to know about other trainings that are not directly related to our field but add value, such as CPR certification and Crisis Prevention training. Objective statements are not necessary and may even shoot you in the foot if your career objectives do not align with our objectives for the position.
It's a great idea to consider your audience when updating your resume. Your hiring committee could include professionals both in and outside of speech-language pathology so your resume needs to speak to both audiences. As you review your own resume, try to put yourself in the mindset of someone who would be hiring and ask yourself if your resume would stand out for the right reasons.
For even more tips and tricks to get your SLP resume noticed, click here to learn about our SLP Resume Critique service.
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